FIELD MANUAL / AR / FIELD

How to inspect a 3D CAD model in AR on iPhone

Camera AR can make a model easier to discuss in the physical space where equipment, furniture or a fabricated part may eventually sit. It is a visual review tool, not a survey instrument.

PROCEDURE / 03

Open. Verify. Inspect.

A short workflow that preserves the original engineering file and makes the format limits visible before you rely on the result.

  1. 01

    Open compatible geometry

    Load an STL, indexed OBJ or STEP file that produces a visible mesh in the regular viewer before entering AR.

  2. 02

    Scan a well-lit surface

    Move the device steadily so ARKit can detect a usable horizontal surface. Texture and good lighting improve tracking.

  3. 03

    Place and adjust the model

    Choose fitted scale or source units, then move, rotate and resize the model for visual inspection in context.

FORMAT CHECK / HONEST SCOPE
RequiresCadRoam Pro and a supported iPhone or iPad
GeometryA model that renders in the standard viewer
PlacementDetected surfaces through Apple ARKit
PurposeVisual review, not certified measurement

Fitted scale versus source units

Fitted scale makes a model conveniently visible within the detected scene. It is useful for shape discussion but does not represent real-world dimensions.

Source-unit placement uses your chosen interpretation of the model coordinates. That can be closer to intended size, but STL does not declare units and tracking is not metrology-grade.

What affects AR accuracy

Lighting, surface texture, device motion, scene size and tracking quality all influence placement stability. A model can drift or appear slightly offset as the device refines its understanding of the room.

Use AR to communicate and explore. Verify installation clearances, safety distances and fabrication dimensions with approved measurements and engineering documents.

Prepare a model for mobile AR

Very dense meshes can be slower to load and manipulate. A simplified review export often provides a smoother field experience while preserving the shape needed for discussion.

Remove confidential or unnecessary components before sharing a model with another person, even when the viewer itself operates locally.

QUESTIONS / SCOPE

Before you rely on the view.

Does AR work on Mac?

Camera AR placement is for supported iPhone and iPad devices. Mac provides the standard model-inspection workflow.

Will the model appear at exact full scale?

You can choose a source-unit interpretation, but file units and AR tracking have limitations. Treat placement as visual guidance.

Does the model leave the device?

CadRoam processes and places compatible geometry locally; it does not upload the model to a developer-operated conversion service.